New Tactical Space FPS Xenos vs Marines

New tactical space FPS Xenos vs Marines has been announced by Gaijin Entertainment and Darkflow Software. It puts you as futuristic Colonial Force Space Marines, who are exploring and invading the universe. But when you’re trying to sieze new planets, you’re going to come up against diverse breeds of aliens, environmental haazards and anomalies.

“We often see them on TV – the elite heroes of a space-era humanity, fighting on alien planets for the advancement of man, at the expense of others. Every one of us wants to experience epic intergalactic battles in the most unusual and unpredictable circumstances, but this time we have turned traditional storyline on its head and added realism,” says Alexander Poliakov, Producer of Xenos vs Marines. “This is a game about tactics and coordinated efforts. And of course, it’s also about sharp reflexes and pumping adrenaline.”

Xenos vs Marines is in an early development stage, but the first 3D characters, equipment models and location screenshots are starting to be released. And it builds on the existing technical framework of squad-based WW2 military shooter Enlisted. If you were a backer of Enlisted, you’ll be among the first to get to try Xenos vs Marines.

Now the fact that the information was all posted on April 1st makes us suspicious this isn’t a real project – yet…

But interestingly, Gainjin did create a playable version of Xenos vs Marines which Enlisted backers and press had access to. Playing as either Marines or Xenos.

So why post an April Fools game now? Two reasons.

The first is that it gives more of a look at the engine for Enlisted.

The second is that the idea actually sounds pretty good. And it’s possibly being wasted if it’s only ever an April Fools. Having humanity as invaders rather than heroes is unusual in entertaintment, and relatively few films (like Starship Troopers) ever question our need to travel to distant planets, meet aliens, and then kill them.

So who knows. Besides Enlisted potentially being close to release, if there was enough support for a Xenos type game, maybe Gaijin and Darkflow would do it for real?